Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-06-01

| The next thing on the programme was
the dedicatofy address by Rev. DR.. II. VI.
Jackson. That gentleman was introduced
| by Captain Thomas klett and came for
ward. The title Of his discourse was
"Religion an Element Of Strength in the
| SoldIerly Character." After a few prefa-
torv words he sald
"In the years which have ensued since
| the God of Peace breathed peace on this
torn and distracted country we have had
| time 10 make up our estimate OF the south.
ern soldier. We have thought, and do
| verify believe that the phalanXes OF Mace
| donia, nor the Legions Of Rome, nor the
| disciplined battalions Of Prussia, nor the
sturdy brigadcs OF Britain, nor the war
| intoxicated soldery OF France surpassed,
either in endurance or in yalor, the veteran
| armies which contested the long series OF
! battles from Manassas to AppomatOX.
| The estimate OF the southern soldier has
been formed, has already passed int bis
| tory, and will be perpeluated on her page.
"There is one element OF strength IN the
| sOIdierly character, contributing no little to
| The achievements Of the armies OF the Con-
| iedCracy, which the historian Is liable to
overlook. The deep religious sentiment
| which pervaded the southern almes and
animated alike both officers and men will
scarcely be included by the annalIst among
| the cOntributOry elements Of success, in
war. And yet it is that element which |
propose TO emphasize to-day"
NOT A RECKLESS DARE DEVIL.
The speaker said he wished to refute
what was perhaps a popular impression
that a soldier is n reckless dare devil, fear
ing nothing in the heavens above or the
81, h Ia
Cromwell that "he that prayS and breaches
best will fight best; that nothing would
give the confidence and courage that the
knowledge of God in Christ would"
He then laid down this proposition
THAT the annals of religion have given the
best eXamplers Of generaIship, OF heroic
all ages Of the world, the history Of war
contains"
lie then reviewed the military history Of
| the world, comparing the achievements OF
Joshua TO the campaigns OF Cesar, and
laudng the heroic action OF Gideon, which,
be thought, bad IT occurred on Grecian
soil, would have passed into history and
occupied place beside ThermOpylg OF an
citnt and Balaklaya Of modern.
TUE GREATEST SOLDIER OF ALL.
The speaker next turned his attention 10
Benismin and Jonathan and the renowned
Judas Maccabeus, the greatest soldier Israel
ever produced. "In him were united the
bravery OF q Julius Cesar, the military
genius OF Napoleon BOnapartc, and the
religious enthusiasm and fiery energy OF a
Stonewall Jackson"
CHRISTIAN TINES.
Coming from Judaic to Christian times,
the Doctor alluded to the wonderful seige
and capture OF Jerusalem, the walls and
towers OF which were reputed impregna.
bic, by 10000 Christians when the HOLY
City was defended by 10000 Saracens; and
the battle Of Hastings, whereon hung the
destinies Of England, and other conflicts.
THE SOUTHERN AMY.
Coming near to the subject OF his re.
marks, the reverend speaker quoted Fed
eral chaplain who, after the battle OF Get
tysburg, in preaching to Federal soldiers,
aid that 1.-THE southern army was one
which. from its commanding generals TO it,
lowest priyates, was peryaded with the
sense Of dependence upon God"
"Whcre was it," he continued, "at Fra
Aer's Farm, was 1t not, that passing of1i.
Ger saw soldier kncelingS He approached
hm. touched him, when 10. he was dead;
stark and cold and stiffcned in the attitude
Of rayer."
1HELOsT CAUsE-AN ALLEGOEY.
"And standing here to-day charge the
historian Of these times that be shall not
fail to tell to future ages that the southern
soldier was a Christian warrior, and that
he was brave, he was irresistible, because
his faith was in God and in the justice OF
- Ir,tf hot MOS Lost that
faith was apparently misplaced. Gentle
men, tne beautiful window which We are
here to dedicate this day TO the memory OF
our dead is yeiled-a curtain shrOuds II
from your view presently that veil snail be
Withdrawn. and you will look upon
il as il came from the hand OF the
,rtist. 1t is an alegory. There is a veil
over It all. But / look on. The hour
bail surely come when God will draw il
aside, and we shall see the wonders OF His
ways and the glorious vindlcation Of His
providence.
"And know not what legend you have
inscribed upon that window, but | would
write there to-day, memorial though it be
of those who fell in q cause that was lost:
In the God Of battles Is the soldiers
trust"
THE WINDOW UNVEILED.
After Mr.. Grant sang ale Rameaux"
be bell of the chapel rang, and as the veil
ing OF the memorial-window was pulled
aside by Sergeant T. j. Campbell, OF Pdr-
cell Battery, one OF the guns on the lawn
Numbered out.
The window is the one nearest the chan
eel on the northern side OF the chapel.
Around the. Gothic curve Is the lnscrip-
don: "In Memory OF the Dead Of Pc
grams Battalion" Inside the curve, in
oilt letters 1861 TO 1865" At foot OF
window "Purcell, CTenshaw, Letcher,
Pee Dee OF South Carolina. Fredericks'
burg: Third Army Corps, Army OF North
ern Virginia. Presented May 3, 1884,"
rLe window Is OF coiored Illuminated glass.
In the centre is Confederate flag fying 10
the breeze, surrounded by stars in the 0lue
background, and beneath Is the figure OF
mounted cannon. The window Is very
pretty, and has been made in an artistic
and finished manner
TIE DEATH. REGISTER.
Mrs. Reinbardt sang q solo while the au-
ditnce was admiring the new window.
When she finished Judge John Z. Lay pre-
sented a register Qn which Will be kept
record of deaths at the Home) TO Major
Norman V. Randolph, OF the Board OF
Trustees, with feeling and appropriate
.peech. Major Randolph responded In
heartfelt and grateful terms.
The exercises concluded with trio
fountain Of Love Eternal"-by nrs.
Reinbar dt, and Messrs. MAY and Grant;
an organ lnterlude by Professor Reinhardt,
the doxology, and the benedlction by Rev.
DR.. John B. Newton
FLOWERS.
Inst before the benediction was pro-
no,inced Dr. Jones presented TO the sur
yiyors of the Pegram Battalion present an
exquisite basket OF flowers which had been
gwen by the First Virginia regiment
through Colonel NJ. l.. spotswood. These
fowers were the gift OF three southern ladies
in Washington Miss Jackson SISTER oil
Rev. DIR. Jackson), Mrs. and Miss Lloyd
10 tbe First regiment In honor OF the first
regimental prize at the national drill In
Washington.
oRSAnESrArIos.